Trafficable surface for mechanical parking apparatus, ramps lifting platforms or the like

ABSTRACT

A trafficable surface for mechanical parking apparatus, ramps, lifting platforms or the like, in which there is provided a plurality of carriers of inverted U-section. Lower margins of the side walls of each carrier are deflected laterally. One deflected margin is of channel form and receives the opposite margin of the adjacent carrier, whereby the carriers are interlocked together.

ited tates atent Kiaus 5] Oct. 15, 1974 [54] TRAFFICABLE SURFACE FOR 1,429,400 9/1922 Bloedow 52/588 MECHANECAL PARKING APPARATUS 2,039,293 5/1936 Calkins 52/588 X 2,478,993 8/1949 Wing 404/41 X RAMPS LIFTING PLATFORMS OR THE 2,742,121 4/1956 Liskey, 14/73 X FAKE 2,910,150 10/1959 Roseman 52/588 x [76] Inventor: Kaspar Klaus, Schlachthofstrasse '2; $3

i: CS Memmmgen Germany 3,531,902 10 1970 DaCosta 52/730 x [22] Filed: Feb. 5, 1973 3,691,576 9/1972 Miles 14/73 X [21] Appl. No.: 329,350 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 407,433 3/1934 Great Britain 30 Fr'nA 1' t P"t1)ta 1 F b 2 2 a y a 2205479 Primary Examiner-Nile C. Byers, Jr.

e ermany Attorney, Agent, or Firm Holman & Stem June 10, 1972 Germany 2228366 I July 22, 1972 Germany 2236057 [5 ABSTRACT [52] U.S. C1. 404/41, 52/588 A traffiCablc S rface for mechanical parking appara- [51] Int. Cl. E01c 5/16 p lifting platforms o he ke, in which there [58] Field 01 Search 404/41, 34, 35,40, 43, is p de a p r y of carriers of inverted U- 404/19, 21, 71; 14/73; 52/538, 376, 377, section. Lower margins of the side walls of each car- 730, 732, 376, 629, 630 rier are deflected laterally One deflected margin is of channel form and receives the opposite margin of the [56] Referenc s Cited adjacent carrier, whereby the carriers are interlocked UNITED STATES PATENTS together- 950,832 3/1910 Banning 52/588 X 7 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures TRAFFICABLE SURFACE FOR MECHANICAL PARKING APPARATUS, RAMPS LIFTING PLATFORMS OR THE LIKE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention concerns a trafficable surface for mechanical parking apparatus, ramps, lifting platforms or the like, comprising a plurality of substantially similar carriers which have a substantially similar profile and which can be adjoined and connected together.

In the following description, the invention will be explained with reference to mechanical parking apparatus but it is to be understood that there is no limitation in this respect.

Mechanical parking apparatus can, for example, take the form of a lift or/and include movable platforms which are raised so that the space under the platform can also be used as a parking place for a vehicle. The movable platform or/and the standing surface in other movable parking apparatus must be sufficiently rigid to take the mechanical load. Moreover, the platform should be of minimum weight to minimize both manufacturing cost and also the mass which must be moved in use. As the platform must normally be inclined, traction for the vehicles tires must be increased by providing strips, ribs or the like to minimize the risk of accidental skidding. I

A further problem is the provision of corrosion protection. Often it is desired to galvanize the trafficable surface, but this can only be done by galvanizing the individual carriers. However, this prevents the carriers being subsequently connected together by welding, which would damage the galvanized coating.

It must also be ensured that water droplets falling from a parked vehicle do not drop onto the vehicle parked below. The trafficable surface must also be capable of being cleaned easily.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention is to provide a trafficable surface which avoids the above problems.

According to the invention, there is provided a trafficable surface for mechanical parking apparatus, ramps, lifting platforms or the like comprising an assembly of substantially similar carriers having substantially similar profile, wherein each carrier is of substantially U-shape, having a back wall incorporating at least one projecting rib; downwardly-directed side walls; and edge strips at the lower edges of the side walls,'which edge strips are deflected in similar directions, with the outwardly directed edge strips of the respective carriers being of channel form and embracing the inwardlydirected edge strips of the adjacent carriers.

The carrier shape proposed by the invention produces a very high rigidity so that it can be made with comparatively thin walls. Although there is a space between the individual carriers, by the particular shape of the edge strips on the upright walls, this is not disadvantageous. The channel-form edge strips are incorporated in positions to lead off drops of water to the side. The individual carriers are engaged withone another so that additional connecting means, for example welds, are avoided.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and readily carried into practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate various preferred embodiments of the invention by way of example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a section through a platform in a mechanical parking apparatus, which platform is constructed in accordance with the invention,

FIG. 2 is a section taken along line II-II of FIG. I, the view looking in the direction of the arrows and being on a larger scale, and,

FIG. 3 is a section through a different embodiment in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. I, the platform illustrated therein serves as a standing surface for an automobile in a parking apparatus. The platform includes two substantially Z-section side support elements 8 and 9 which extend over the whole length of a platform. The spacing of elements 8' and 9 substantially corresponds to the width of the required trafficable surface. The wheels of an automobile parked on the platform are denoted 20.

The trafficable surface per se is formed of a plurality of carriers 10 which have a common profile and are disposed-adjacent one another and connected together. These carriers 10 each lie on the side support elements 8 and 9, specifically on a flange 11 thereof, which has an integral channel 14. A back 17 of the Z-form element 9 extends substantially vertically. Mounted on the elements 8 and 9 or on their backs are driving means for the platform, which means are of no significance to the present invention and will not therefore be more specifically described.

The sectional illustrations of FIGS. 2 and 3 show two alternative forms of the carriers 10. They both have essentially a U-form shape with a back wall 1 which extends substantially horizontally so that the back walls of all the .adjacently arranged carriers 10 provide the trafficable surface. Upwardly projecting ribs 4 are incorporated in the back wall 1 to avoid or minimize the danger of the vehicle slipping on the surface. Instead of the triangular shape shown in the drawings, the ribs 4 can take a different form, e.g. a rounded, rectangular, trapezoid or similar shape.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 2 and 3, downwardly-directed walls 2 and 3 or 12 and 13 adjoin the back wall 1.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the walls 2 and 3 are bent at right angles to the back wall 1 so that they are disposed vertically in use. The walls 2 and 3 are substantially parallel to one another and in the position of use usually lie adjacent one another.

Both walls 2 and 3 have edge strips 5 and 6 respectively which are bent in the same direction as one another so that the edge strip 5 of each carrier 10 is inwardly directed while the edge strip 6 of the other upright wall 3 is outwardly directed. Edge strip 6 is channel-shaped and embraces the edge strip 5 on an adjacent carrier.

Screws l8 and associated nuts are used to secure the carriers 10 on the elements 8 and 9. A bushing 19 is provided to allow the screw 18 to be securely tightened, despite the elastic deformability of the carrier 10.

In the variation according to FIG. 3, the upright walls I2 and 13 are angled such that they define with the vertical, an acute angle of approximately 15 to 30, preferably approximately 20 to 25. In particular, it is recommended to shape the carrier such that the wall I3 having a channel-form edge strip I6 defines with the vertical a somewhat larger angle than the upright wall I2 having an edge strip 15. In this way, the carriers when connected together but not screwed to the elements 8 or 9, adopt an upwardly directed curve as indicated in chain dotted lines at 21 in FIG. 3. When assembly is effected by means of the screws I8 and the bushings I9, this curve disappears and a substantial pressure is achieved between adjacent carriers 10 at the point of contact of the walls 12 and 13 with the associated back wall 1. This pressure ensures good sealing of the joint between the carriers.

An edge part 7 of the edge strip I6 can, if required, be crimped over as is also illustrated in FIG. 3. This is not, however, necessary in all cases. Clamping of the edge strips I5 and I6 or/and the edge strips 5 and 6 in the embodiment of FIG. 2 can also be effected without turning over the edges.

The edge strips 15 and I6 and 5 and 6 are, as a rule, parallel to one another and in some cases parallel to the back wall I. However, the superimposed edge strips can define an acute angle which disappears after the edge crimping mentioned.

The manner of operation of the arrangement according to the invention is as follows:

Firstly, it should be noted that each individual carrier has a high stiffness. The ribs 4 act to increase the stiffness, with the stiffness depending in particular on the height of the profile determined by the walls 2 and 3 or I2 and I3. Stiffening of these walls is further achieved by the edge strips 5 and 6 or I5 and 16 so that only minimum deformation occurs under loading.

DRops of water passing through the space between the walls 2 and 3 or I2 and I3 are caught in the channel-form edge strips 6 and I6 respectively and can flow off to the side, and to which end, the carriers are preferably laterally inclined as is conventional or/and adopt a curved configuration.

From the channel-form edge strip 6 and I6, the drops of water arrive at the channels I4 of elements 8 and 9 (FIG. I), and according to the inclination of the platform, are led to one end or the other.

Particularly with the carrier of FIG. 3, there is the further advantage that, during loading, not only the individual carriers, but also the adjacent carriers bear the load. If the vertical wall I2 is loaded, it is supported by the edge strip IS on the edge strip I6 and accordingly on the wall I3. Relative movement between the wall 12 and the upright wall I3 does not occur or is very minimal. In particular, it is not possible for the space between the walls 1 2 and 13 to open so that they fill with dirt and can no longer close.

When, on the other hand, the wall 13 is loaded, it is supported directly on the other wall I2 because of the inclination of the walls and because of the pressure between the latter, which produces high friction, and prevents significant relative movement.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the wall 2 is likewise supported on the edge strip 6 of the wall 3. If the edge of strip 6 is bent so that its edge part 7 overlies the edge strip 5, the walls 2 and 3 can be clamped together.

The wall 3 or 13 is preferably higher than the other wall 2 or 12 so that the back wall I adopts a parallel position with respect to flange 11.

The construction according to the invention has the significant advantage that quick and simple installation is possible and that a stable and rigid surface is achieved. Welding operations are avoided and accordingly an individual carrier 10 can be provided with a complete surface protection before installation.

During assembly, the individual carriers, as mentioned above, are hooked together. Subsequently, if required, the edge parts 7 are turned. By suitable shaping, the carriers can also be assembled by then pushing together. This applies particularly when the carrier has a through curve.

I claim:

I. A trafficable surface to carry a road vehicle comprising an assembly of substantially similar carriers having substantially similar profile, in which each carrier is of sheet metal and of substantially U-shape, each carrier having a back wall incorporating at least one upwardly projecting rib which extends the height of the carrier and increases the rigidity of the carrier; downwardly-directed side walls integral with the back wall; and edge strips at the lower edges of the side walls, which edge strips are bent in similar directions, the outwardly directed edge strips of the respective carriers being of channel form and embracing the inwardlydirected edge strips of the adjacent carriers.

2. The trafficable surface according to claim I, wherein the side wall of each carrier having the outwardly-directed edge strip is somewhat higher than the other side wall.

3. The trafficable surface according to claim 1, wherein the channel-form edge strips clamp the other edge strips, each side wall of each carrier defining an acute angle with the vertical channel-carrying side wall being more steeply angled than the other side wall.

4. The trafficable surface according to claim 3, wherein an edge part of the channel form edge strip is turned over to engage the other edge strip.

5. The trafficable surface according to claim 3, wherein the angle defined between each side wall of each carrier and the vertical is approximately 15 to 30, preferably 20 to 25.

6. The trafficable surface according to claim 3, wherein the inwardly-directed edge strip of each carrier is tightly embraced by the channel form edge strip of an adjacent carrier, in which the side wall having the channel form edge strip, before assembly, defines a somewhat larger angle with respect to the vertical than the other side wall such that a plurality of carriers connected together by way of the edge strips only, have an upwardly-directed curvature, with the curvature being substantially removed during installation so that the side walls of adjacent carriers press against one another.

7. The trafficable surface according to claim 1, wherein each carrier is mounted at its ends on a pair of similarly profiled elements, each of which is of substantially Z-form with a substantially vertical back wall and being provided with a flange to supportthe carriers. 

1. A trafficable surface to carry a road vehicle comprising an assembly of substantially similar carriers having substantially similar profile, in which each carrier is of sheet metal and of substantially U-shape, each carrier having a Back wall incorporating at least one upwardly projecting rib which extends the height of the carrier and increases the rigidity of the carrier; downwardly-directed side walls integral with the back wall; and edge strips at the lower edges of the side walls, which edge strips are bent in similar directions, the outwardly directed edge strips of the respective carriers being of channel form and embracing the inwardly-directed edge strips of the adjacent carriers.
 2. The trafficable surface according to claim 1, wherein the side wall of each carrier having the outwardly-directed edge strip is somewhat higher than the other side wall.
 3. The trafficable surface according to claim 1, wherein the channel-form edge strips clamp the other edge strips, each side wall of each carrier defining an acute angle with the vertical channel-carrying side wall being more steeply angled than the other side wall.
 4. The trafficable surface according to claim 3, wherein an edge part of the channel form edge strip is turned over to engage the other edge strip.
 5. The trafficable surface according to claim 3, wherein the angle defined between each side wall of each carrier and the vertical is approximately 15* to 30*, preferably 20* to 25*.
 6. The trafficable surface according to claim 3, wherein the inwardly-directed edge strip of each carrier is tightly embraced by the channel form edge strip of an adjacent carrier, in which the side wall having the channel form edge strip, before assembly, defines a somewhat larger angle with respect to the vertical than the other side wall such that a plurality of carriers connected together by way of the edge strips only, have an upwardly-directed curvature, with the curvature being substantially removed during installation so that the side walls of adjacent carriers press against one another.
 7. The trafficable surface according to claim 1, wherein each carrier is mounted at its ends on a pair of similarly profiled elements, each of which is of substantially Z-form with a substantially vertical back wall and being provided with a flange to support the carriers. 